---Cornerback Chris Gamble, one of the team's top defenders, was doubtful for Sunday's game against Seattle, so the Carolina Panthers signed cornerback Ron Parker off the practice squad, according to the Charlotte Observer. Parker was signed to the practice squad in September The second-year pro played five games last season, two for Seattle and three for Oakland. Carolina also placed guard Mike Pollak on injured reserve with a stinger that has suffered during the Week 2 game against New Orleans.

---Running back Ben Tate returned to practice Saturday for the Houston Texans. However, he remained questionable with a toe injury for Monday night's game against the New York Jets. The Texans (4-0) are one two undefeated teams this season, but they may have to go with Justin Forsett as their backup to starter Arian Foster, who is suffering from a hamstring injury.

---New England tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has started all four games for the Patriots this season, is playing through significant pain, ESPNBoston.com reported Sunday. Gronkowski was listed on the latest injury report with a hip injury, but ESPNBoston.com reported he also is suffering from back problems. He received limited snaps this week during practice. He caught five passes for 104 yards last week against the Buffalo Bills.

---The Baltimore Ravens are aiming for linebacker Terrell Suggs to return Oct. 21 against the Houston Texans, ESPN reported Sunday. However, ESPN reported Ravens coach John Harbaugh may take advantage of the team's Oct. 28 bye week and save Suggs to return on Nov. 4. Suggs said he injured his Achilles in May doing a fitness test, denying ESPN reports and witness accounts that he was playing a pickup basketball game at the time. According to Suggs, the instances were separate. Suggs said in May that the procedure to repair his Achilles required only a small incision, meaning less scar tissue and rehab. At the time, he said November was possible as a target for his return. Thursday he said November might be optimistic, but he's planning on continuing with that approach.

---Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best, who has been on the physically unable to perform list since last October, will undergo tests this week to determine if he can practice again, ESPN reported Sunday. Best suffered a concussion almost a year ago and has been having post-concussion symptoms that have kept him off the field. ESPN said the Lions' are unsure if the multiple doctors will give a consensus approval to let him play again. The hope to have him back Oct. 22 for a Monday night game against the Chicago Bears.